Carl Thomas Mattera, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
Carl loved life, and lived it to the fullest. To his beloved family and friends he leaves the memory of a truly good man: strong, honest, caring and loyal, with a winning smile, solid character, genuine faith and a gentle heart.
Carl came to the Los Angeles area in 1952 from Providence, Rhode Island. He fell in love with the Golden State and made sure his mother and siblings could join him. Along with his brothers, Carl opened a costume jewelry manufacturing plant, Trail Trends, which he successfully managed for over 35 years. On April 7, 1956, Carl married Maria Luisa Mares and they welcomed 4 children together. He was an active member of Kiwanis Club and he loved baseball. He coached little league teams and players all the way up to the collegiate level. His passion for sports could only be surpassed by his delight when shooting dice at a craps table.
Carl was preceded in death by his life partner, Maria (Nina), his brothers Michael and Tom Mattera, his sister Marie Richards, niece Carleen Ortiz and grand-nephew Tommy Richards. Left to honor him are his children, Elizabeth Hise, Carl M. Mattera, Susan Mattera and Patricia Saraceno, sons in law Steven Hise and Frank Saraceno, along with fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Private services were held on December 8 at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Xavier Baseball: Thomas Mattera Memorial Scholarship or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (Corinthians 13:7)
